The other night on Twitter, @nevaRWilliams posed a simple question to Gotty, David, AJ and myself. Through all the madness that was the 2011-2012 season, could JaVale McGee really be one of the top 10 storylines? My answer stood as an undoubted yes. Look, we’ve all been there before. The laughing at JaVale for his seemingly lack of comprehension on the court at times. It’s fun, but beneath the unintentional comedy that is his game, there lies the fact buddy has the potential to be blossom into one of the league’s finest big men*. His vertical for a man his size is foolish and a wingspan that stretches further than 7’6″ is something any team would love to have pending the runner up in the 2011 Dunk Contest ever brings his game and mental approach in unison.

Following his breakout series against the Lakers (he’s been more than impressive in their two wins with a coming of age-like performance in Game 5), now seems about as good a time as ever to bring this to the attention of the masses. Last month, Sports Illustrated’s Lee Jenkins crafted a brilliant piece about McGee breaking down his story from birth (his mother damn near went through with an abortion) all the way to the present day. Instead of breaking down his blunders in Washington – an organization who cannot seem to flourish on the sunny side of functional – Jenkins paints the picture of a player with so much untapped potential his ceiling hasn’t even been defined yet.

Without giving away too much of what Jenkins illustrates, giving the piece a read on your lunch break, riding the bus or enjoying a day off is a must. Even on the Wizards, everyone in D.C. was aware JaVale was a talent. He simply needed guidance, which he is apparently receiving in Denver. And who knows, the Nuggets season could very well end tonight in Game 6. Regardless, the events of the last two months of JaVale’s career could mark the transition from consistent comedic relief to a player ready to cash in on the talent he showcases on occasion. Then again, he is nearing a contract year, so whether his emergence is a sign of things to come or a mere flash in the pan is something we’ll all have to wait and see – the running theme of JaVale’s career thus far.

* – No, this isn’t saying he’ll ever be the league’s best at his position. If he can, however, consistently give a team 15-10 (and maybe 2 blocks) on a nightly basis, then, well, you know.

Update: Thanks to Trackstar for pointing this out. That ball JaVale hurled into the Staples Center stands after being interviewed by the fashion gawd, Craig Sager, actually landed right in his mother’s hands. The McGees are quickly moving right up the ladder of my favorite American families.

What’s crazy as a Wizards fan is that everyone knew of the talent he had, but McGee was putting in no heart at all. The only reason Grunfield made that trade was because McGee and Nick Young rarely played team ball. I assume yall don’t watch the wizards play (hell I wouldnt either if i wasnt a fan) but the off the court fuckery these two displayed was way too much and they had to be traded. At first, I ain’t agree but after realizing what Nene brings in terms of leadership, the trade was a good idea for everyone. Once (or if) we get rid of Andray Blatche and Rashard Lewis to free up some space, this off season could be crazy for the DC. I ain’t really set on Randy Wittman but we just gonna have to see.

Sidenote: I found the Oden interview to be better, simply because Oden revealed so much about himself that it’s wild. I ain’t even know he was a borderline alcoholic during his second season. This McGee story was put together very good tho. Definitely gonna have to read more intently once I get a chance.

I personally feel the b-ball culture in Portland is far too venomous for any
young new talent. The team should either move (it worked for Vancouver and Seattle) or hire a staff committed to changing the toxic culture. I understand, Sam Bowie and all that, but look at how Los Angeles protected their investment after Blake got hurt. You’ve got to protect your players from reinjury, even if it means losing a season, or having a guy who wants to play keep sitting for a few months. Portland is still trying to get over something that happened 27 years ago, and until they let go, they will continue to grind up young stars trying to live it down.

@Smarter between what you saying and the article, I do believe Portland put way too much pressure on Oden to return when he wasnt 100. Doesnt help that their medical team aint exactly the best in the league. Shit could be so much different had they let him chill and fully rehab.

Then again, he is nearing a contract year,
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Once i saw him blow up this series, “contract year” was the first ten things that went through my mind. I love the dude but too often he just doesnt seem to care about the game itself.

it would be a huge risk because of the “contract year” effect, plus the fact you would need a team with a strong coach and solid leadership, but if i was running a up and coming young team I think I would take a flyer on javale *cough*cavs*cough*